Six60

Pacific reggae is a regional wave of reggae that took root across Polynesia and wider Oceania, with New Zealand emerging as a central hub. It blends Jamaican roots reggae and dub with Polynesian and Melanesian vocal traditions, island percussion, and contemporary R&B/pop hooks. The style is characterized by warm, melodic basslines, one‑drop or rockers drum feels, skanking rhythm guitar, Hammond/organ "bubble" patterns, and rich group harmonies. Artists often sing in English alongside Indigenous and local languages (e.g., Te Reo Māori, Samoan, Tongan, Hawaiian), addressing love, community, spirituality, and social justice while celebrating Pacific identity.